Bhavini Bhargava | Author Of Unheard | Interview With TheTalkStreet
Bhavini Bhargava, currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in Sports Management at Deakin University, Melbourne, with a full scholarship, is also an accomplished poet. She is the author of the Amazon international bestseller poetry book ‘Unheard’, which captures the struggles of teenage life. Her remarkable work has earned her the Best Poet Award in Dubai and a feature in the May-June 2023 edition of Filmfare Middle East. The book has been praised by readers globally.
Tell us about your background and how you got started in writing?
I originally from Jaipur, India, and am currently an undergraduate student in Sports Management at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, on a full Rajasthan Royals sports scholarship, awarded to only two Indian students annually. My achievements are manifold: I am a six-time national-level badminton player, with my highest ranking being in the top 20 in India, and I was the top student in the commerce stream during my school years. I also play cricket at the national level in both India and Australia and serve as a sports ambassador for my university. Additionally, I am the author of the Amazon international bestseller poetry book 'Unheard’,which delves into the struggles of teenage life. This book has garnered significant praise, earning me the Best Poet Award in Dubai and a feature in the May-June 2023 edition of Filmfare Middle East.
Who are your major influences or role models in the literary world?
The iconic Indian poet Gulzar Sahib, known as the father of Indian poetry, is my inspiration and role model.
What inspired you to become a writer?
As a teenager, I experienced the rollercoaster of life's highs and lows. Throughout the triumphs and setbacks of my sporting journey, writing became my refuge. While I never set out to become an author, this collection of writings evolved into something profoundly heartfelt.
Can you describe your writing process from idea generation to final draft?
Whenever I found myself in moments of tension, difficulty, or joy, ideas would flood my mind, inspiring me to write. Each poem captures the emotional journey of a teenager navigating through life's challenges. What began as a single poem gradually blossomed into an entire collection. This book is the culmination of that journey, now ready to be shared with you.
Do you have any specific rituals or routines that help you write?
Not really. I have a routine to write my diary daily. Every day, I set aside some quiet time to reflect and write. Whenever thoughts come to my mind, I pen them down immediately, capturing the essence of my emotions, ideas, and experiences. This practice not only helps me stay organized but also serves as a therapeutic outlet, allowing me to process my day and foster personal growth.
How do you handle writer's block or creative slumps?
They do come to me as to anybody else, but during this phase, I give myself the time and grace to navigate through it. I embrace the process, knowing that this phase is temporary and will eventually pass.
Can you tell us about your most recent work or project?
Presently, I am working on my book promotion, which I am incredibly passionate about. This project allows me to share my thoughts and creativity with a broader audience. I am also dedicating time to the development of my Instagram page, thoughts_.in._rhyme, where I engage with my followers through poetry and thought-provoking content. In addition, I am in the final stages of completing my undergraduate studies in Australia, which has been an enriching and transformative experience. Amidst all this, I have the honor of playing cricket at the highest level, a sport that has taught me discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Balancing these diverse pursuits keeps me motivated and driven to achieve excellence in all areas of my life.
What themes or messages do you often explore in your writing?
My writings consistently revolve around uplifting themes such as perseverance, unwavering determination, passionate living, faith in God, and the relentless pursuit of overcoming life's challenges with boundless energy.
How do your personal experiences influence your writing?
My personal experiences greatly influence my writings. I played national-level badminton in India for six years and then cricket for one year. This phase of my life brought emotional turbulence, failures, and moments of recognition, all of which have been channeled into my poetry.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a writer?
I believe the most significant hurdle for a first-time author is securing a publishing deal. Even with exceptional content, finding a publisher willing to invest in you is rare. I encountered the same obstacle and ultimately chose to self-publish my book. This decision marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey, transforming my initial manuscript into an Amazon international bestseller.
How do you see the future of the writing industry evolving?
While fiction and non-fiction books have long captured the hearts of readers, poetry has often taken a backseat. However, the tides are turning, and poetry is steadily gaining the recognition it deserves, poised to become the future cornerstone of the writing industry.
How has reader feedback influenced your writing?
Within just 15 days of its release, my book ‘Unheard’ soared to the number one spot in Amazon's poetry section. The response has been overwhelming, with over 400 glowing reviews from readers who have deeply resonated with my work. This incredible support has not only validated my efforts but also fueled my passion to keep writing. I'm excited to share that my next book is already in the works.
How do you market and promote your books or writings?
Not much promotion has been done so far. Most of the sales have been generated through word-of-mouth publicity, showcasing the organic enthusiasm for our product. However, we have seen positive results from our efforts on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube, where engaging content has resonated well with our audience. Additionally, features in newspaper articles have provided us with valuable exposure and credibility. Direct interactions with our audience, whether through events or customer service, have further strengthened our community and fostered trust. These combined efforts have laid a strong foundation for our brand, and we are excited to build upon this momentum with more strategic marketing initiatives in the future.
Have you collaborated with other writers or creatives on any projects?
No, not yet.
What types of projects do you enjoy working on the most?
I prefer working on projects that radiate positive vibes and creating write-ups that leave a positive message.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
My advice to young, aspiring writers is simple: keep writing and stay resilient. Early setbacks and lack of recognition are part of the journey. Who knows? Success might just be one step away.
Can you share a personal story or experience that has had a significant impact on your life and writing?
From a young age, I was deeply passionate about Badminton, starting my journey at just eight years old. By ten, I had already competed in my first national tournament, and for the next five years, I played at the national level. However, at the height of my career, I began suffering from stress fractures in my right leg, which severely impacted my ability to play. This challenging period led me into a state of despair, but it also marked the beginning of my poetic journey. In my search for a new passion, I discovered Cricket. I realized that playing as a right-handed batsman would minimize the stress on my right leg, and thus began my cricketing adventure. This experience taught me that life is full of highs and lows but also brimming with opportunities for new paths and passions for those willing to work hard. My final message is clear: success is not a matter of luck, but the result of relentless hard work.
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